MINOR EDITS IN PROGRESS - The Forgotten Heir | Sirius Black (Marauders Era)

Chapter 14: Reflections of Power and Destiny

Winter had settled over Hogwarts, casting the castle in a serene, almost magical stillness. Snow blanketed the grounds, muffling the sounds of life within its walls. The Great Hall was decorated with twinkling lights and garlands of holly, giving it a festive air, but for Lamia Wool, this winter break felt different—heavier, more solemn.

For as long as she could remember, Lamia had spent her holidays at Hogwarts. Unlike most of the other students, she never had a home to return to during the breaks. She was a ward of the school, a fact that had shaped her life in ways few others could understand. During the summers, she would often spend time with Hagrid, helping him with his creatures, or chatting with the house elves in the kitchens, who had become something of a surrogate family to her. Winter breaks were usually a time to socialize with the few students who stayed behind, but this year was different. This year, her days were filled with rigorous training under the watchful eye of Professor Dumbledore.

Dumbledore had promised to help her strengthen her natural powers, to harness the energy that had surged uncontrollably during that fateful encounter in the Forbidden Forest. But to her surprise, his focus had been less on direct power and more on something else—Occlumency. The ability to shield one's mind from intrusion. It wasn't what she had expected, but Dumbledore was insistent, and she trusted his judgment.

Now, on a rare short break from her training, she found herself sitting in Dumbledore's office, sipping a cup of tea that was doing little to warm the chill that seemed to have settled deep within her bones. The room was filled with the soft ticking of various magical instruments and the occasional crackle of the fire in the hearth. Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, perched silently nearby, his golden eyes watching her with what seemed like quiet understanding.

Dumbledore, seated behind his grand desk, studied her over the rim of his own teacup. His expression was thoughtful, as it often was when he had something important to say.

"You're making excellent progress, Lamia," he began, his voice gentle but firm. "Occlumency is not an easy skill to master, especially for someone so young. But you've taken to it quite well."

Lamia nodded, though she couldn't help the flicker of frustration that passed through her. "I just... I don't understand why this is so important. You said you'd help me with my powers, but this—" She gestured vaguely, searching for the right words. "It feels like I'm learning to hide instead of learning to use what's inside me."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and understanding. "Occlumency is indeed a defensive skill, but it is a vital one, especially in times such as these. The ability to protect your mind is as important as the ability to harness your magic. In the coming days, when the world outside these walls grows darker, this skill may very well save your life."

Lamia stared into her teacup, watching the steam rise and swirl. She knew Dumbledore was right, but it didn't make the process any less frustrating. "You've mentioned before that someone else—Tom Riddle—had power like mine. He was good at Occlumency too, wasn't he?"

Dumbledore's expression darkened slightly, and he set his cup down with deliberate care. "Tom Riddle was indeed a skilled Occlumens. His mind was a fortress, impenetrable to nearly everyone who tried to understand him. But that was not the only skill he possessed, and certainly not the most dangerous."

Lamia looked up, curiosity and unease mingling in her chest. "You said we were similar. He was in the same orphanage as me, even in the same room. But you also said we're different. How?"

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant, as if he were looking through time itself. "Yes, you and Tom Riddle do share similarities. You both grew up without the love and guidance of a family, both discovered your powers early, and both of you were drawn to the mysteries of magic that others might shy away from. But where Tom's heart was cold, driven by ambition and a desire for control, yours is warm, filled with empathy and a desire to protect."